Educational Packages and Offerings

Please note that all packages are adaptable depending on the needs of your school or organization.

Ensemble Residency

In Fall 2020, the Argus Quartet is conducting a residency at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In collaboration with Pioneer’s Director of Orchestras, Jonathan Glawe, Argus is coaching students from the four orchestral levels through online sectionals and recordings through a ground-breaking new app called Upbeat. Students have the chance to work on their ensemble skills by playing along with Argus and receiving direct feedback. Argus hopes to connect with students, offer specific advice, and keep them inspired and motivated towards recording goals.

This residency can be adapted for programs of any age group and level with masterclasses, sectionals, lectures, and special workshops.

Workshop for Children and Families

A workshop for children and families highlights a closer look into one of our favorite storytelling pieces - Miss Ying Ning by Shuying Li, which was commissioned by Argus Quartet with support from the Composers Guild of New Jersey. During our time together, the goals of this workshop are to increase exposure to classical music and string instruments, foster expression through sound, and actively make music together. Through our storytelling theme, Argus will incorporate interactive participation which will allow kids to identify and connect to emotions, while also demonstrating string instrument technique and sounds. Together, with our workshop guests, we will tell a story with collaborative effort and a multi-sensory approach.

As our final product, we will create our own character, scene, and emotion, as well as a musical soundscape which we will perform all together at the end. This workshop is offered as a single hour workshop or a 4-week course and does not require any prior musical education.

String Intensive for Young Artists

Are you a violinist, violist, or cellist, between the ages of 14-19 who wants to deepen your creativity and take your playing to the next level? Then this String Intensive is right for you! What is the difference between a String Intensive and having normal weekly private lessons? The String Intensive is meant to be an immersive and, yes, “intense” experience. Not only will you receive multiple private lessons and opportunities to receive feedback through masterclasses with members of Argus - you’ll also have the benefit of being part of a group of talented and committed peers with whom you’ll have a unique shared experience. You’ll get to meet a variety of people and engage with a variety of perspectives from both the faculty and your fellow students.

These intensives vary in length from 3-5 days and are conducted virtually.

Performance Lab

Ever feel like your performances don’t represent your best? Learn how to reach your goals, perform at your best, and reach the stars! Over the course of 3 weeks, you will have the chance to have weekly performance opportunities and up your performing game. Through debriefing and review, goal setting, and enrichment classes, you will have the opportunity to examine performance tactics and put it into action towards your own goals. Whether it be for orchestra auditions, college auditions, or for your own personal goals, you will grow as a performer through this goal-oriented workshop.

The Beethoven Quartets

We all know that Beethoven is famous. But let’s dive deeper and examine his life, character, and artistry. Why was he so significant? Together, we will delve into his string quartets and touch on his early, middle, and late periods. From his earliest works to the works that he imagined after he lost his hearing, Argus will lead discussions, listening sessions, and follow the significant influences in Beethoven’s life surrounding his music-making.

This workshop is a one hour course and is open to anyone who loves music.

Composers’ Institute

The Argus Quartet welcomes two Artist-Faculty composers in offering this special Composers’ Institute. Six student composers will be selected by application for the opportunity to work with this faculty team on pieces that they will compose specifically for this seminar. Over the course of five sessions, the young composers will have the opportunity to have lessons and workshop their pieces. Argus will record their piece for them to use for any non-monetary purpose.

This institute can be adapted into a compositional residency at your school or music program with lessons, workshops, and a final recording or performance.